TOYOTA RAV-41997 · 2.0L Petrol

The 1997 Toyota RAV-4 presents as roadworthy with a stable maintenance trend, evidenced by the most recent DVSA test on 4 July 2025 at 164,304 miles returning a pass with no defects recorded. The three preceding annual tests from June 2022 through July 2024 also passed cleanly, indicating no escalating mechanical faults across the observed period. A single failure was logged on 27 June 2023 at 157,920 miles, yet the same-day retest passed with no defects noted, suggesting an administrative or minor non-mechanical rejection rather than a substantive fault. The recorded mileage shows light use for a 29-year-old vehicle, accumulating roughly 5,666 miles per year against the 164,304 miles now shown. Between the 28 June 2022 test at 154,253 miles and the 27 June 2023 test at 157,920 miles the car covered 3,667 miles; the following year to 1 July 2024 added 2,849 miles, then 3,535 miles to July 2025. The MOT data is sparse and clean with no advisories on suspension bushes, brake discs, corrosion, or exhaust emissions across any entry, which implies either conscientious upkeep or limited rigorous inspection disclosure at test. A buyer should still commission an in-person inspection of structural integrity and underbody corrosion given the vehicle's age and the absence of any advisory history that might mask hidden rust. The coil springs, suspension arms, and brake calipers warrant physical checks for binding or fatigue not captured in the clean records. The same-day fail and pass in June 2023 leaves the exact rejection cause undocumented, so verifying the retest paperwork is prudent before purchase.